Day Two of the 2003 NAMM Summer Session; Show Continues with a Positive Beat

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, began the second day of its 2003 Summer Session today with live music in the Gaylord Entertainment Center lobby. Chapman Stick virtuoso Greg Howard performed jazz, rock and original solo compositions for attendees who were waiting for the show floor to open. Many of these show-goers also caught some live music the night before when Gretsch presented the Brian Setzer Trio at the annual Wildhorse Saloon party co-hosted by Fender and NAMM.

The show floor was crowded early with buyers preparing to meet with exhibitors and check out new products. Many reported that the first two show days were positive and productive.

“So far [the show has] been going very well,” said Keith Coates, a buyer from Montebello, Calif. “We come to Nashville to make sure we’re keeping up with whatever’s on the market. At the Nashville show I find—because it’s a little bit smaller physically and the booths are smaller than in Anaheim—it’s easier and quicker to see everything.”

Throughout the day, NAMM University offered 14 free seminars, including the mid-day keynote session with Joe Caruso, “Selling in the New Economy.”

Today marked the first day of the Gibson Guitar/Chevy Rock and Roll Tour and Exhibit, housed in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. The exhibit features interactive displays, rare music memorabilia and innovative guitars. Nearby, a steady stream of attendees competed in the second day of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest.

Late in the afternoon attendees were treated to performances by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest winners in front of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. And just before show closing, the annual Remo Drum Circle began in front of the Gaylord Entertainment Center. This popular event gathered a large group of attendees, who pounded away under the direction of Remo facilitators.

Tomorrow’s activities include the Gospel Music Pancake Breakfast, which begins at 8 a.m. at The Hang in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir will perform at this benefit for the American Music Conference. Al McCree’s 9 a.m. keynote session will be the last of NAMM University’s free seminars during Summer Session. He will present “Putting It All Together and Bringing It Home: How to Affect Positive Change in Your Organization!” in the East Ballroom of the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. And all attendees are invited to watch the final heats of the NAMM International Fastest Drummer Contest at 1 p.m. when the top 10 finalists will compete for the titles of “Fastest Hands” and “Fastest Feet.”